Six Ways to Welcome New Neighbors

by Sherry Holetzky | More from this Blogger

22 Jul 2006 08:04 AM

You might not consider yourself part of your neighborhood's welcome wagon, if there is one, but it is a good idea to help new neighbors feel at home in the area. While moving into a new home can be exciting, it can also be awkward trying to find one's place in the neighborhood.

Introducing yourself is a start, but there are also a few other simple things you can consider doing to make newcomers feel welcome:

1. Bring over a small welcoming gift. Giving a coffee cake, homemade cookies, or even some fresh fruit or vegetables from your garden is a thoughtful gesture, and a great way to break the ice (besides, you know you're dying to see what the new people are like, and this is a great excuse to stop by!).

2. If you have an extra phone book for your area, offer it to the new neighbors along with bus or train schedules and a list of things like trash pick up or recycling days and which day the street sweeper comes by so they will know not to park on the street.

3. If a street dance, block party, or other neighborhood/community event is coming up, invite your new neighbors and let them know when and where.

4. If your new neighbors have children, you might want to bring your kids along and introduce them to the new kids, or let them know that there are other children in the area close to their ages.

5. Inform them where the local playground is, when school registration begins, or share other pertinent information.

6. If you feel comfortable after meeting your new neighbors, offer your phone number in case they have questions or need assistance.

By welcoming new neighbors and offering a little kindness, you might be starting what will turn into a great friendship.

Learn more about Sherry Holetzky

Sherry Holetzky is a work at home mom and freelance writer. Married to her best friend, Sherry and her husband are raising their family in a quiet rural setting in the beautiful Ozark Mountains.

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